In a striking development, a Central African journalist who exposed the clandestine activities of the Wagner Group in his home country has been denied asylum in France. Ephrem Yalike-Ngonzo, whose revelations shed light on Moscow’s disinformation campaigns and Moscow-backed paramilitary operations in Africa, had been granted a temporary pass into France in 2024—an intervention reportedly secured at the highest levels of government.
From paid propagandist to whistleblower
Yalike-Ngonzo’s journey from anonymous contributor to investigative source began when he was recruited in late 2019. While working for multiple local publications, he received payments ranging from fifteen to thirty euros—about a quarter of his monthly income—for each article he authored in support of the Central African armed forces and their Russian allies. These financial incentives were part of a broader Russian influence operation aimed at shaping public perception and legitimizing Wagner’s presence in the region.
His decision to come forward in 2024 marked a turning point. As part of a collaborative investigation led by Forbidden Stories, he disclosed internal details about Russia’s covert media and military strategies in Central Africa. The repercussions were immediate: Wagner operatives responded with death threats, forcing him into hiding. His testimony also contributed to the imposition of EU sanctions against Mikhail Prudnikov, a key architect of Moscow’s propaganda network in Bangui.
A fragile refuge under threat
Despite France’s initial gesture of support, the asylum application submitted by Yalike-Ngonzo has now been rejected. Legal experts and human rights advocates have condemned the decision, calling it a dangerous signal to others seeking to expose Russian disinformation networks across Africa and beyond.
On July 9, his legal team filed an appeal with the National Asylum Court. The process is expected to take up to a year, during which the journalist remains in hiding in France with his family. Meanwhile, back in Bangui, relatives are subjected to persistent interrogations and pressure to disclose his whereabouts—a tactic commonly used to intimidate whistleblowers and their families.
What’s at stake for press freedom and accountability
The case underscores the growing risks faced by journalists operating in environments where foreign-backed propaganda and private military companies operate with impunity. It also raises serious questions about the consistency of France’s asylum policies, especially when it comes to individuals who have risked everything to reveal truths that align with Western strategic interests.
The outcome of this appeal will be closely watched—not only by activists and journalists, but by governments across Europe grappling with how to protect those who challenge authoritarian influence without compromising their own security commitments.
